Apparatus for removing tree stumps and splitting logs

ABSTRACT

A tractor supported and driven mechanism for removing tree stumps and splitting logs which causes linear movement of a rotary cutter disk for milling away stumps from the side portions thereof and a ram assembly forcing a log against a wedge member. The mechanism incorporates a frame structure having a hydraulically driven slide supported and guided by parallel structural members of the frame. The cutter disk is rotatably supported on the slide structure and is driven by the power take-off of the tractor by means of an elongated non-circular drive shaft which is received in driving engagement by a central non-circular drive opening of the cutter. The cutter disk is movable along the length of the non-circular drive shaft while maintaining driving engagement therewith.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.581,917 filed Feb. 21, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,385.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices for removing tree stumpsand, more particularly, is directed to a tree stump removal apparatusincorporating a log splitter which is supported by the standard threepoint hitch of a tractor and is driven by the power take-off andhydraulic supply systems of the tractor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After trees have been cut, such as during tree harvesting operations orland clearing operations, there typically remains a section of tree stemextending above the surface of the ground. This section of the treestem, typically referred to as a tree stump, results due to cutting ofthe tree at a level above the ground where the trunk or stem of the treebegins to taper outwardly to the root portion thereof. In many casestree stumps are left for natural environmental decomposition (such asweather, insects and the like). Tree stumps are also removed byexplosives, although this is a dangerous and expensive practice.

Should it become desirable to use the ground surface before the treestumps have time for natural decomposition, the tree stumps can presenta hazard to the intended user. It may, therefore, become desirable toaccomplish efficient removal of the tree stumps to a level at orslightly below the grade level of the ground without causing unduedisturbance of the ground such as would occur during stump removal bysuch mechanical implements as dozers, or by blasting, etc.

After the trees have been cut during tree harvesting or land cleaningoperations, the trees are typically further cut into logs suitable forsale as firewood. The logs are typically split and bundled to be sold asfirewood or the like. To this end, the apparatus of the presentdisclosure includes a splitter or knife for splitting logs utilizing thehydraulic supply systems of the tractor while removing tree stumps.

THE PRIOR ART

As is clear from a review of the prior art, many different types ofstump removers have been developed. For the most part, these devices areof complicated and expensive construction. The stump removal machine ofBartlett, U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,134, and Pickel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,905,are supported by the three point hitch structure of a tractor and drivenby the power take-off system of the tractor. U.S. Pat. No. 2,9121,022 ofVer Ploeg et al shows a tractor drawn wheel mounted stump cutter device.U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,613 of Franzen et al shows a tractor supported stumpcutter having plural saw blades for cutting of the stump. U.S. Pat. No.3,028,691 of Jeffres discloses a tractor-supported device having a chaintype cutter driven in rotary manner. Other stump cutting devices ofinterest are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,044,509 of Kehler, 3,308,860of Deshano, 3,568,740 of Speakman, 3,911,979 of Rousseau and 4,271,879of Shivers, Jr. et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary feature of the present invention to providenovel stump removal apparatus which may be supported, raised, loweredand driven by a conventional tractor having a three point hitch.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide novel tree stumpremoval apparatus which is capable of efficiently reducing tree stumpsto small size debris such as saw dust and wood chips which need notnecessarily be transported from the stump removal site.

It is an even further feature of this invention to provide novel treestump removal apparatus which may be simply and efficiently controlledfor removal of tree stumps to the grade level of the ground or to gradelevels either below or above ground level as desired by the user.

It is an important feature of this invention to provide novel tree stumpremoval apparatus which is supported by the three point hitch of astandard tractor and is driven by the power take-off and hydraulicsystems of the tractor, thus minimizing the mechanical requirements andexpense of the mechanism.

It is also an important feature of this invention to provide novel treestump removal apparatus incorporating a log splitter.

It is an even further feature of this invention to provide novel treestump removal apparatus which may be simply and efficiently stored inreadiness for use.

Briefly, tree stump removal apparatus constructed in accordance with thepresent invention incorporate a frame structure adapted for generallyhorizontal positioning relative to the ground surface and forming a pairof generally parallel elongated guide members which comprise a portionof the frame structure. A slide structure is provided with guidechannels at opposite sides thereof for guiding engagement with theelongated guide members of the frame. A hydraulic cylinder is fixed tothe frame structure with an operating shaft thereof in drivingconnection with the slide and thus being adapted to impart linearmovement to the slide upon being energized through control of thehydraulic system of the tractor. A rotary cutter disk having tree trunkmilling or cutting teeth removably fixed thereon is rotatably supportedon the frame structure and is therefore movable along with the frame.The cutter is adapted to mill or shred away a tree stump from one sidethereof as the cutter disk is simultaneously rotated and moved linearlyby hydraulically induced movement of the slide structure. The cutterdisk is capable of removing the stump to the level of the ground or tograde levels either above or below the level of the ground dependingupon the desires of the user.

The frame structure incorporates a plurality of jack stands which areextended downwardly to elevate the frame from the ground for storage orpositioned upwardly while the apparatus is being supported by a tractor.This feature permits lowering of the frame structure to ground level forremoval of stumps below ground level since the outer periphery of thecutter disk extends below the lower level of the frame structure. Theframe also incorporates vertical lifting eye structure enabling it to belifted by lifting hooks such as for handling or transportation withoutattachment to a tractor.

The rotary cutter disk is in the form of a metal plate having aplurality of wood cutting or shredding teeth extending from one side andthe peripheral portion thereof. The cutter disk is rotated by the powertake-off system of the tractor while, at the same time, it is movedlinearly against the side portion of the tree stump. The cutter disk isrotatably supported by a bearing secured to the slide structure. Anon-circular drive opening is defined by the cutter which receives anelongated non-circular drive shaft extending across a tree stump openingformed by the frame member. The elongated drive shaft is rotated by thepower take-off system of the tractor and maintains its driving relationwith the rotary cutter during linear movement of the slide by thehydraulic cylinder. A very simple, low cost disk drive system istherefore provided which minimizes the total cost of the stump removalapparatus. The disk is enclosed by a protective housing having asuitable outlet for discharge of particles removed from the stump.Suitable collection apparatus may be provided at the housing dischargein the event the stump particles are to be collected for disposal awayfrom the stump removal site.

The rear extension of the frame structure supports a guide member forreceiving a log thereon. The log support member is supported above andparallel to the rear extension at one end by an upstanding frame membersand at the other end by a transverse brace member. A plunger having oneend secured to the slide structure extends through the brace member andis supported thereby. The plunger reciprocates during linear movement ofthe slide structure. The reciprocating action of the plunger forces logsplaced on the log support member against a knife edge formed on theupstanding frame member, thereby splitting the logs utilizing thehydraulic system of the tractor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner of the above recited features advantages and objectsof the present invention will become apparent and can be understood indetail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarizedabove, may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which isillustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of thisspecification.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only atypical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating tractor supported and operatedstump removal apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and with the cutter disc thereof shown in the broken line.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tree stump removal apparatus, partiallybroken away, showing a log portion to be split; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the tree stump removal and log splittingapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, a mechanismfor removing tree stumps is provided generally at 10 which incorporatesa tractor supported frame structure illustrated generally at 12. A majorportion of the frame structure is of generally rectangular form and isdefined by a pair of elongated structural frame members 14 and 16 whichare disposed in substantially parallel relation and which areinterconnected by means of a pair of transverse structural members 18and 20. The frame members 14, 16, 18 and 20 cooperate to define anopening 22. The parallel structural members 14 and 16 define supportextensions 26 to which is connected a three point hitch assemblyillustrated generally at 30. The hitch assembly includes a pair ofinclined load transmitting members 32 and 34 having bifurcated lowerportions 36 and 38 defining clevis-like connections. A pair ofconnecting pins 40 and 42 extend through side members of the clevisstructure for connection of hitch operating bars 44 and 46 of a tractorto the three point hitch structure. The hitch operating bars form a partof the tractor hitch structure as does the operating bar member 48. Aconnecting pin 50 extends through apertures in the upper parallelextremities of the load transmitting members 32 and 34 thus providingfor connection of the free extremity of the lift bar 48 of the tractorto the upper portion of the three point hitch assembly. A forcetransmitting member 54 is provided to transmit forces from the threepoint hitch to the frame structure of the stump removal apparatus.Inclined structural members 57, 58, 59 and 60 are secured at the upperextremities thereof to the central force transmitting member 54 and arepositioned in downwardly diverging manner with the lower extremitiesthereof secured to the transverse structural frame member 18. Additionalstructural support is provided by structural members 61 and 63 securedat approximately the midpoint of inclined structural members 58 and 60,respectively, extending angularly toward a rear extension of the framestructure and secured thereto by welding or the likes.

The rear extension of the frame structure is shown generally at 62. Therear extension 62 is formed by elongated parallel structural members 64and 66 which are connected by welding or the like to the transversestructural member 18. A rear transverse structural member 68interconnects with parallel structural member 64 and 66 and cooperatestherewith to define a generally rectangular opening within which islocated a hydraulic cylinder 72. The rear end 74 of the cylinder isconnected to a connection tab or flange 78 extending forwardly from thestructural member 68. At the forward portion of the hydraulic cylinder72 the operating shaft 80 thereof extends through openings in thetransverse structural member 18 thus positioning an operating clevis 82at the free end of the operating shaft 80 within the rectangular opening22 of the frame structure. The clevis 82 is connected by a pin 84 to aconnecting tab member 88 extending from an elongated structural member90 which forms a portion of a slide member shown generally at 92. Thus,as the hydraulic cylinder 72 is energized responsive to selection by thetractor operator, the operating shaft 80 of the cylinder imparts linearmovement to the slide structure 92. The slide structure incorporates apair of guide members 94 and 96 which are formed by elongated channelmembers having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration with upper andlower flanges receiving the elongated structural members 14 and 16 inguiding relation therebetween. The slide structure may also includes aspaced transverse structural member 98 at the opposite side thereofwhich is also interconnected with the guide channels 94 and 96.

A pair of bearing assemblies 100 are fixed in aligned relation to thetransverse structural members 18 and 20 of the framework in the mannershown in FIGS. 1 and 3. These bearings provide rotatable support for anon-circular drive shaft 104 which is rotated by a power take-off shaft106 extending from the power take-off of the tractor. The drive shafts104 and 106 are interconnected by means of a universal joint in order toaccommodate any shaft misalignment that might be present.

The slide assembly 92 forms an opening 110 within which is located acircular cutter plate or disk 112. The cutter disk 112 is rotatablysupported by means of a bearing assembly 114 secured to the transversestructural member 90 of the slide assembly. Thus, the bearing assembly114 and the disk 112 move linearly as the slide assembly 92 is movedupon energization of the hydraulic cylinder 72. The bearing supportassembly for the cutter disk defines a non-circular drive opening whichreceives the non-circular drive shaft 104 in linearly movably,non-rotatable driving relation therein. As the drive shaft 104 isrotated, the cutter disk 112 is caused to rotate. As the slide assembly92 is moved linearly by the hydraulic cylinder 72 the drive shaft 104does not move linearly but rather merely continues its rotary movementresponsive to its directly driven relationship with the drive shaft 106of the tractor power take-off shaft. The rotary cutter disk, however, isadvanced for cutting of a tree stump as the slide assembly 92 isadvanced by the hydraulic cylinder 72. It shall be borne in mind thatthe hydraulic cylinder incorporates hydraulic supply lines at 118 and120 (not shown in the drawings) which extend to the hydraulic supplysystem of the tractor. By appropriate manipulation of an actuatingvalve, the hydraulic cylinder and, consequently, the slide assembly 92will be actuated in a selected forward or rearward direction.

A protective housing 134 is secured to the guide members 94 and 96 ofthe slide assembly and may also be secured to one or both of thetransverse structural members 90 or 98 as desired. The side plates ofthe housing structure form openings such as shown at 136 through whichthe non-circular drive shaft 104 extends. The housing structuretherefore travels along with the movable slide assembly and thusprovides a protective enclosure about the rotating cutter disk 112. Thehousing is removably connected to the slide assembly 92 by hinge typereceptacles which are retained in assembly by hinge pins. The housingcan be pivoted relative to the slide assembly 92 by removing one of thehinge pins, or removed from the slide assembly 92 after both of thehinge pins have been removed.

The rear extension 62 supports a log splitting assembly comprising a logsupport member 116 which is supported above and parallel to the rearextension 62. The support member 116 is welded at one end to atransverse brace 118 extending between the inclined structural member 57and 59. The transverse brace 118 is welded to the structural member 57and 59 at each end thereof. The rear end of the support member 116 iswelded to an upright frame member 120, which frame member 120 is weldedat its lower end to the frame member 68. The support member 116 ishorizontally disposed between the base 118 and the frame member 120presenting a substantially flat surface for receiving a log 121 thereonas best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The frame member 120 includes a wedge portion 119 projecting above thesurface of the support member 116. The wedge 119 is defined by inwardlysloping sides forming a cutting edge 122 for engaging and splitting alog placed on the support member 116. The cutting edge 122 is slopedslightly toward the log 121 as shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, the log121 is first engaged by the upper tip of the cutting edge 122 so as tofacilitate splitting of the log. In addition, the slopped profile of thecutting edge 122 tends to hold the log 121 by providing a downward forceas the log is forced past the wedge 119.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the back end of the log 121 is engaged by aram plate 123 connected to a push rod 124. The push rod 124 extendsthrough an aperture in the brace 118 and is welded at its opposite endto an inverted, substantially V-shaped frame member 125. The legs of theframe member 125 are welded to the slide frame member 90. Thus,actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 72 to move the slide assembly 92also reciprocates the push rod 124. Thereby, applying a force to theback end of the log 121 and forcing the log past the wedge 119. The log121 is thus split in half. The process may be repeated for each half ofthe log 121 is quarter sections are desired.

While the apparatus shown in the drawing is disconnected from a tractorassembly, it is capable of being stored in an elevated position aboveground level to thus provide it with a degree of protection from theground environment and to prevent the cutter disk 112 from engaging theground. A plurality of jack receptacles 138, 140 and 142 are secured torespective structural members of the frame. Each of these receptaclesreceives a jack stand such as shown at 142, 144 and 146 which is capableof selective positioning in either an extended position as shown in FIG.1 or a retracted position. Each of the jack stands defines one or morepin apertures 148 which receive pins to lock the jack stands in eitherthe extended or retracted position as desired. In the extended positionas shown in FIG. 1 the jack stands rest on the ground and thereforesupport the frame structure 12 in an elevated position. During use, thejack stands may be retracted, thus enabling the frame to be lowered intocontact with the ground for positioning a cutter disc such that itenters the ground to its fullest depth to thereby facilitate removal ofa stump below ground level. The degree of disc penetration below thelevel of the ground can be effectively controlled through positioning ofthe jack stands.

To further facilitate handling, the upper transverse structural member54 is provided with lifting eyes 150 and 152 which permit movement ofthe stump removal mechanism by any suitable lifting apparatus such asfor truck loading for relocation of it when a tractor is not availableor when the apparatus is to be transported significant distances.

OPERATION

For stump removal operations, the connecting bars 44, 46 and 48 of aconvenient tractor power take-off are interconnected with the threepoint hitch structure by means of the connecting pins 40, 42 and 50. Thejack stands are then shifted to the retracted positions thereof, such asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4 thereby permitting the frame 12 to be loweredinto contact with the ground if desired. The tractor will then transportthe mechanism in elevated position above the ground and willsufficiently raise it to clear a stump intended for removal. The tractorwill then be backed up to position the opening 22 of the frame structureover the stump. Thereafter, the tractor lift will be lowered, thuslowering the frame to a suitable height relative to the stump. In thisposition, the hydraulic cylinder 72 will be so energized as to positionthe slide assembly 92 at its left-most, retracted position. The powertake-off of the tractor will then be energized, thereby rotating thedrive shaft 106 and thus causing rotation of the driven shaft 104. Thedriving interconnection between the non-circular shaft 104 and thenon-circular opening 116 of the cutter causes the cutter plate to rotatewhile being supported by its bearing assembly 114.

At this time the hydraulic cylinder 72 will be energized causing thedrive shaft 80 to move forwardly toward the tractor and thereby drivingthe slide assembly 92 and the rotary cutter disk 112 toward the stump.As the cutter disk 112 advances, the cutter teeth engage the stump andbegin cutting it away. The sawdust and wood chips that are removed fromthe stump will be ejected through an opening 154 of the protectivehousing 134 to thus insure that the operator of the tractor is not indanger by flying wood chips and other debris. If desired, a suitablereceptacle may be connected at the housing opening 54 to receive thesawdust and woodchips that are thus developed. The hydraulic cylinderand its shaft are of sufficient length that a stump will be completelycut away in a single pass. In the event the stump is of greater heightthan the cutting depth of the cutter disk after an initial pass, cuttingaway the upper portion of the stump, the slide assembly 92 will again beretracted by the hydraulic cylinder. Thereafter the frame will belowered and the hydraulic cylinder energized to move the slide assemblyand the cutter across the stump again, thus removing the stump to alower level, including below ground level, if desired. If desired, therotating stump cutter disk may be inserted into the ground whilerotating by simultaneously lowering the frame toward the surface of theground. In fact, the frame may be lowered into contact with the groundif desired and the hydraulic cylinder may be energized to cause cuttertraversing below ground level. Obviously the rotating cutter will dig atrench below ground which, of course, must be filled after the stump hasbeen removed if a trench in the ground is undesirable.

Upon retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 72, the push rod 124 is movedtoward the wedge 119. A log 121 placed on the support member 116 wouldthus be forced against the wedge 119 by the rod 124 and split by theknife edge 122.

It is therefore seen that this invention is one well adapted to attainall of the objects and advantages hereinabove set forth together withother advantages which will become obvious and inherent from adescription of the apparatus itself. It will be understood that certaincombinations and subcombinations are of utility and may be employedwithout reference to other features and subcombinations. This iscontemplated by and is within the scope of the present invention.

As many possible embodiments may be made of this invention withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope thereof, it is to be understood thatall matters hereinabove set forth or shown in the accompanying drawingsare to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. Tractor supported and operated stump removal andlog splitter apparatus, comprising:(a) a frame structure adapted to besupported, raised and lowered by a hitch structure of the tractor; (b)slide means being positioned for guided reciprocal movement on saidframe structure; (c) means for imparting linear reciprocal movement tosaid slide means; (d) a non-circular drive shaft being mounted forrotary movement on said frame structure and adapted to be driven by thepower take-off of the tractor; (e) a rotary cutter element beingrotatably mounted on said slide means and movable along with said slidemeans, said rotary cutter element having means providing sliding,non-rotatable relation with said drive shaft, whereby said cutterelement is rotated by said drive shaft and is capable of simultaneouslinear movement; and (f) log splitting means mounted on said framestructure for splitting a log positioned thereon.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said log splitting means includes a horizontallydisposed log support member supported above a rear extension of saidframe structure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, including:(a) ram meansbeing positioned for guided reciprocal movement relative to said supportmember and adapted to engage a log positioned on said support member;and (b) wedge means extending above said support member at one endthereof for engaging and splitting the log forced against said wedgemeans by said ram means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said wedgemeans includes a knife edge having a leading portion for initiallyengaging the log positioned on said support member.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein said ram means comprises a push rod connected to saidslide means and movable along with said slide means responsive to saidlinear reciprocal movement imparting means.
 6. A tractor supported anddriven apparatus for removing tree stumps and splitting logs,comprising:(a) a frame structure adapted for generally horizontallypositioning relative to the ground surface and forming spaced elongatedguide members; (b) three point hitch means for connection of same framestructure to lifting apparatus of a tractor; (c) a slide structure beingmovably positioned in sliding engagement with said elongated guidemembers; (d) a hydraulic cylinder being supported by said framestructure and having linear driving connection with said slidestructure; (e) a rotary cutter disc being rotatably supported by saidslide structure and adapted to cut away a stump from one side thereof assaid cutter disc is rotated and moved linearly responsive to linearmovement of said slide structure, said cutter disc extending to a levelbelow said frame being capable of removing said stump to a grade belowground level, said cutter disc being independently rotated by thepower-take-off of said tractor and independently moved in linear mannerupon linear movement of said slide structure by said hydraulic cylinder;and (f) log splitting means mounted on said frame structure forsplitting a log positioned thereon.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein:(a) said frame structure is of generally horizontal form havinga forward portion and a rear portion, said rotary cutter disc beingpositioned for linear movement between said forward portion and saidrear portion; (b) a three point hitch connection is provided at saidforward portion of said frame structure forming spaced lower hitchelements and a central elevated hitch element; (c) force transmittingstructural means are connected to said central elevated hitch elementand extend over said cutter element, said force transmitting structuralmeans being connected to said rear frame portion; and (d) said rearframe portion supporting a horizontally disposed guide member forreceiving a log thereon.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, including:(a) rammeans being positioned for guided reciprocal movement relative to saidguide member and adapted to engage a log positioned on said guidemember; and (b) wedge means extending above said guide member at one endthereof for engaging and splitting a log forced against said wedge meansby said ram means.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said wedge meanscomprises an upstanding portion of a frame member extending above saidhorizontally disposed guide member, said wedge means including a knifeedge having a leading portion for initially engaging the log supportedon said guide member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said rammeans comprises a push rod connected to said slide means and movablealong with said slide means responsive to linear reciprocal movement ofsaid hydraulic cylinder.